Nigerian singer, Ayra Starr has declared Afrobeat the best genre in the world.
The fast-rising singer in an interview with Capital Xtra, revealed that Afrobeat means everything to her. She noted how Afrobeat is taking over and has been popping for a long time. According to her, African music is currently making headlines not only in the continent but across all continents including the US.
“Afrobeat means everything to me. Afrobeat is taking over, it has been popping for such a long time. It has been a long time coming. It is the best genre in the world. It has been a long time coming because African music has been doing its thing in the continent and outside the continent. Even before it came to America”.
This declaration of love for Afrobeat is coming days after Wizkid heavily distanced himself from it.
Kemi Filani reported that Wizkid while announcing his new album, cautioned Nigerians against categorizing him as an Afrobeat artist. He went on to warn bloggers against posting his new album.
Wizkid didn’t stop there, he read the riot acts as he informed those who fell in love with him during the Pakurumo era to refrain from downloading his new album.
His statement didn’t sit well with many who slammed him for disrespecting the genre of music that paved the way for him.
Defending himself, Wizkid doubled down on his words as he explained his statement better, noting how he makes music not to be stereotyped or boxed.
Telling Nigerians to educate themselves, he stated that though he is an African artist, he makes fine music and doesn’t want to be labeled as just an Afrobeat, as he made further reference to how African artists are boxed at international awards.
Similarly, Burna Boy angered many last year when he avowed that 90 percent of Afrobeat songs lack real-life experience and substance.
He explained that in many of the songs, artists aren’t saying anything worthwhile and are only singing about the good life or having a great time, which mostly isn’t the case in real life.
Throwing shots at him at the Headies Award, Rema stated that no matter what Burna Boy calls Afrobeats, they would all meet at Afrobeats award shows.
